NONGPOH, MAR 27: Hidden talent continues to thrive in rural areas of Meghalaya, often limited by lack of resources and exposure. Yet, young individuals like 13-year-old Rahmainroy Shylla from Mawphru Mathan village in Ri Bhoi district are proving that creativity can flourish even in the most modest conditions.

A Class VIII student of Seiborlang Secondary School, Umshaken, Rahmainroy is the second of five siblings born to Betsaida Shylla and Tles Madur. Every day, he walks nearly half an hour from his village to attend school, balancing his studies with household responsibilities.

Despite these challenges, Rahmainroy has developed a passion for crafting and drawing. Using discarded materials such as cardboard boxes and old cartons, he creates intricate model houses, showcasing a level of skill and imagination beyond his years.

His mother shared that his interest in crafting began at a very young age when he would accompany her to the fields and spend time making small creations from twigs and leaves. Over the years, this curiosity has evolved into a refined hobby.

Due to financial constraints, Rahmainroy does not have access to proper tools or materials. Nevertheless, he continues to innovate with whatever is available, producing impressive designs. During a recent interaction, he displayed three model houses he had built entirely from recycled cardboard, creatively mixing ash and natural materials to produce different colours and textures.

Adding to his ingenuity, he also repairs and reuses old batteries to create lighting systems inside his models, even designing them to function like miniature disco lights.

Rahmainroy aspires to become an architect in the future, a dream he hopes to achieve through education and perseverance.

His father expressed pride in his son’s dedication, noting that such creative pursuits keep him engaged in meaningful activities. A relative, Sbun Shylla, also praised the young boy’s talent, stating that it is encouraging to see children making constructive use of their abilities.

Rahmainroy’s story stands as a testament to the untapped potential present in rural communities and highlights the need for greater support and opportunities to nurture such talent.